France with pre-teen

I wouldn’t say Normandy is great for kids, unless she’s REALLY into WWII history. And many of the sites are military museums. We took our teens because my oldest loves military history. But it’s not something I would do if you aren’t into museums.

How about the French Alps? Maybe white whiter rafting or paragliding? Check out mountain coasters, too. My kids loved these in Austria. Most big ski areas have something similar in the summer months.

You might also consider the Alsace area. If travel into Germany is possible, EuropaPark might be of interest.

Normandy is a bit too early for an eleven-year-old. Go to the French Riviera if she’s into water and stay in Nice.

I started taking my son to France every summer, for months, when he was 11 yo. He loved absolutely everywhere, and everything… he loved Paris, Normandy (there’s a lot in Normandy other than WWII sites), the Loire Valley, Burgundy, the Dordogne, the French Alps (Chamonix), Provence. Everything and everywhere. All depends on how easy or how difficult to please the kid is. My son was just grateful to be in France at all.

Mont St Michel is in Normandy, most kids love it. Honfleur is in Normandy, a charming seaside town. Normandy also has chateaux. We did a nighttime candle-lit tour of a chateau that was amazing. And we discovered a 17th century farm that was open to the public which was wonderful to visit. Lots in Normandy besides WWII sites.

I doubt a professional company would take an 11 yo paragliding. It’s tandem, with the professional controlling everything. My son was 16 his 1st time.

The summer toboggan/luge ride in Chamonix (shown on a RS show) is very fun for kids… and adults.

Yes, kids can paraglide. My youngest was 11 on his first tandem flight over Salzburg. He actually flew way higher than the rest of us because he was so light. He had a blast and it was a highlight of his first trip to Europe.

https://m.chamonix-sport-aventure.com/#sommaire_en

I would say in Normandy to take her to the beaches and cemeteries and maybe 1 museum, you say she isn't into museums but take her to see the Bayeux Tapestry, go to Mont St. Michel. Does she like gardens and maybe seeing a few Chateau? Loire. You could also see a medieval castle in Chinon, and some medieval abbeys in the Loire. Dordogne definitely! Go see some caves with different types of art, take a drive with cool stops (look in Rick's book), and see some castles from the hundred years war. If you go to the Languedoc you could see Carcasonne and then do a drive where you also see some of the castles from the period of the persecutions of the Albaginsians. Paddle a canoe under the Pont du Gard.

travel4fun, Then I agree, paragliding would be a lot of fun.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful suggestions. Taking them all into consideration. I’m thinking 4 days in Paris, 4 days in Dordogne, 3 days in Nice, 3 in Salzburg, Sound of Music is her one request…
Suggestions for Paris and Dordogne?
Peggy

Following are some websites that might help you decide on what to do.
Paris: https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/kids/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-paris, https://www.earthtrekkers.com/paris-with-kids/ and https://familydestinationsguide.com/fun-things-to-do-in-paris-with-kids/.
Dordogne: https://travelynnfamily.com/dordogne-with-kids/, https://ciaobambino.com/dordogne-holiday-highlights-for-families and https://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/best-kids-activities-in-dordogne/.
Rick Steves FR guidebook also has recommendations that provides the best way to get there which is very helpful. Make sure you purchase the 19th edition.

One must-do in the Dordogne is canoeing. You really don’t need any prior experience. The river is normally quite shallow and slow moving. You rent from any of several companies. They give you a pick up time and place. Very easy. Lovely views of chateaux and villages.
The second (actually, for me the tops) is a tour of one of the caves decorated with prehistoric art. Some, like Lascaux, are reproductions. Others are the real thing. Some have paintings; others, relief sculptures. You will need to research current policies. Some require reservations.
Another cave experience, without art, is the Gouffre de Padirac. This enormous underground system is so deep that you get to the start via elevaor. At one point on the visit, you travel by boat on an underground river. Again, I recommend researching about reservations and English language tours.
If you are going to be on the Riviera, a boat ride through one of the calanques seems made to order for your g.d.